[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12820]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Staff Sergeant Lex L. Lewis

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to honor the life and heroic service of SSG Lex L. Lewis. Staff 
Sergeant Lewis died on July 15, 2011, when his dismounted patrol 
received small arms fire in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant 
Lewis was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 40 
years old.
  Staff Sergeant Lewis was assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th 
Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. Friends and 
family members remember Staff Sergeant Lewis as a soldier who truly 
loved the Army. His mother Betty said, ``He just liked being a soldier 
. . . this is what he wanted to do.''
  After graduating from high school, Staff Sergeant Lewis joined the 
Navy and was first stationed in Japan. He joined the Army later, in 
1999, and bravely served three combat tours--two in Iraq and one in 
Afghanistan.
  Staff Sergeant Lewis's commanders and company-mates alike remember 
him as a soldier who exemplifies the proudest traditions of the U.S. 
Army. They often came to him for counsel and advice during difficult 
times. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, two 
Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, and two Army 
Good Conduct Medals.
  Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of 
life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Staff 
Sergeant Lewis's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by 
selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He 
lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose.
  Mr. President, I stand with Colorado and people nationwide in 
profound gratitude for Staff Sergeant Lewis's tremendous sacrifice. He 
served proudly and honorably in Iraq and Afghanistan when his country 
needed him most. We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt sympathy and 
condolences to Staff Sergeant Lewis's family.

                          ____________________